San Blas Quarter

The San Blas Quarter has often been referred to as the most picturesque district in the Inca capital, complete with narrow, cobblestone streets, intimate town squares and an artisan culture highlighted by the understated Hilario Mendivil Museum (Peruvian sculptor). In fact, the Iglesia de San Blas is the oldest church in Cuzco, and houses an impressive altar carved out of one solid block of cedar (considered to be the finest example of Spanish colonial period wood engraving in the country). Crave a little more excitement in your cultural excursion? No worries. There are plenty of tasty restaurants and bars to tempt you either between landmark visits or once the sun goes down, making a visit to San Blas ideal pretty much any time of day.

Location:San Blas, northwest Cuzco

Note:For those looking to learn more about the coca plant, Cuzco's infamous and ubiquitous medicinal herb, stop into San Blas' quaint Coca Museum at Calle Suytuqatu 705. Small but worthwhile.